Eight thousand dead…17,000 injured…600,000 homes destroyed. It’s difficult to stomach the damage caused by the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25th. To add to the devastation, another earthquake hit near Mount Everest killing dozens more last week. Although they can’t predict when, scientists say that may not be the end of the earthquakes headed for Nepal. While many watch the horrifying images on the news from afar, Carl Nickel is on the frontlines providing aid to those in serious need.
After graduating from the Leeds School of Business in 2013, Nickel accepted an offer in Houston with National Oilwell Varco. Shortly after, he left the company and bought a one-way ticket to India only to find himself in the thick of one of the most devastating earthquakes of all time. Due to his “intimate relationship” with the country, he and his friends became involved with relief efforts called Backpackers for Nepal, which supports the local Red Cross in Pokhara, Nepal.
When asked how his education prepared him for this endeavor, Nickel said, “Leeds furthered my interest in economic development and CSR in general. A CESR class taught by Kevin McMahon was awesome. It challenged my initial view of what role business should play in society.”
Despite surviving hypothermia and unpleasant conditions, Nickel will tell you it’s not about him, it’s about the impact his group is trying to make. “We all have had incredible experiences in Nepal and realized we have a rare opportunity to give back to people that have given us so much. It’s an opportunity to change an outcome,” Nickel said.
After raising over $17,000, Backpackers for Nepal are well on their way to their goal of $25,000 via their crowdfunding campaign. The money goes to funding rural villages, which lack access to supplies such as food and shelter. Nickel explained, “Many villages are a 14 hour hike from the nearest supply distribution center.” He says it’s incredible how much of an impact even the smallest donations can have. For instance, $15 will feed a family of four for a month, and $20 provides blankets and a tarp for emergency shelter for an entire family. As of last week, Backpackers for Nepal had provided 1770 tarps, 870 blankets and 2315 kilograms of food to a single district alone.
Next Steps
While Nickel and Backpackers for Nepal have made tremendous progress, they still need help. The situation is very serious as many families still lack the supplies necessary to live sustainably. In order to provide support, donate to Backpackers for Nepal’s crowdfunding site. Also, be sure to follow their Facebook page for updates on their continued progress.
By Andy Wegleitner, Leeds '15
CESR Student Assistant